2012 honda pilot Model Overview

The 2012 Honda Pilot is a competent offering in the crossover segment, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. So for 2012, Honda has made some minor changes to the Pilot both inside and out. The Pilot also now delivers the highest EPA fuel economy available in a three-row, eight-passenger vehicle. Front-wheel-drive Pilots achieve 25 mpg on the highway, 2 mpg more than the previous model thanks mainly to improved aerodynamics and slight updates to the Pilot’s 3.5-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic powertrain.

The biggest exterior change to the new Pilot is an updated front end that lends it a more luxurious look. All Pilots receive a more refined interior, plus more tech and entertainment goodies. Previously exclusive to the Pilot EX-L with Navigation and above models, the EX now comes standard with audio system upgrades, including a 2 GB CD-Library and Bluetooth audio streaming. For 2012, EX-L models come with Honda’s new intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that includes backup camera display, while EX-L models with navigation receive an upgraded nav system with higher resolution and a 60 GB hard drive complete with XM real-time traffic updates.

Cargo capacity is one of the Pilot’s strong suits, with plenty of storage options and impressive interior volume. As has been the case since launch, all Pilot trim levels are offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration.

Body style: Crossover SUV

Engines: 3.5L V-6

Transmissions: 5-speed automatic

Models: LX FWD/AWD, EX FWD/AWD, EX-L FWD/AWD, Touring FWD/AWD

The 2012 Honda Pilot has undergone several changes both inside and out. It boasts a redesigned front end that lends it a more refined style. Interior features are enhanced with a revised instrument panel, center stack, audio, and navigation systems. Two-wheel drive models gain 2 mpg over last year’s model, thanks in part to slight tweaks to the powertrain, and chassis and vehicle aerodynamics. The Pilot now offers a quieter ride with additional noise insulation, and Dark Amber Metallic replaces Mocha Metallic.

A three-bar horizontal grille design replaces the six-sided one on last year’s Pilot, and a new front air dam helps reduce unwanted air turbulence. The halogen headlights and turn signals are also reconfigured, relocating the turn signal from an outboard position to an inboard position within the headlight housing units. Pilot EX and above models receive a new wheel design with 18-inch alloy wheels, and overall length of the SUV increases just a hair by 0.5 inches to 191.4 inches. Ground clearance is down slightly at 7.97 inches compared to 8 inches in the previous model.

The 2012 Honda Pilot’s cabin has a more refined look, and the formerly button-crazy center console has been transformed into a more intuitive layout. A glossy black center panel replaces the old silver one to create a more unified color theme, and speedometer and tachometer gauge faces now have white background illumination instead of last year’s aqua-blue scheme. A subtle U-shaped line is added to the Pilot’s center stack along with different textures for a more layered look, and the center storage pocket grows 0.4 inches taller. Climate control buttons are replaced with dials, and Pilot EX-L models without navigation receive a color LCD screen and steering wheel controls for the intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that provides vehicle information and a rear-view camera display. Key interior dimensions are identical to last year’s model.

We found the Pilot’s 250-hp 3.5-liter V-6 to be smooth, thanks to the 5-speed automatic transmission’s Grade Logic Control, which helps diminish gear hunting by maintaining the most appropriate gear when going uphill or downhill. Re-tuned rear suspension sub-frame mounts and acoustic windshield glass result in reduced noise, and an impressively tight turning diameter of 39.7 feet makes parking surprisingly easy for an eight-passenger vehicle. The 4500-pound maximum towing capacity for the AWD version is decent, but not class-leading.

2012 Honda Pilot Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$28,620

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$15,875

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

AS A RESULT, FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE TANK, INCREASING THE RISK OF FIRE.

Recall Date

2012-02-17

Description

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PILOT AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. THE VENT SHUT FLOAT (VSF) VALVE CASE IN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY DOES NOT MEET THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS.

Remedy

HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VSF ASSEMBLY DATE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.

Units Affected

8709

Recall ID#13V016000 - AIR BAGS

Consequence

The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Recall Date

2013-01-18

Description

Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Units Affected

748481

Recall ID#17V030000 - AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.

2012 Honda Pilot News and Reviews

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